Crisp, tangy, and incredibly juicy, this cranberry orange chicken is the weeknight dinner hero you’ve been searching for. The vibrant glaze, a delightful blend of sweet cranberry and bright citrus, creates a sticky, caramelized crust that perfectly complements the tender chicken beneath. This recipe works because it utilizes readily available ingredients to create a complex flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but elegant enough to grace your holiday table.
Why you’ll love this Zesty Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken with Cranberry Orange Chicken
- This zesty cranberry orange chicken recipe is ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The sweet and tangy glaze offers a delightful flavor contrast that will please everyone at the table.
- It requires minimal effort and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
- The glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a visually appealing and delicious crust on the chicken.
- It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, from rice to roasted vegetables.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh orange slices and cranberries for garnish (optional)
Cranberry orange chicken makes every moment feel sunny. Substitution Tip: For a gluten-free option, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
How to make Zesty Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange marmalade, orange juice, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the cranberry sauce is melted and the mixture is smooth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Glaze the Chicken
Pour half of the cranberry orange glaze over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Turn chicken to coat both sides.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste with the remaining glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Chef’s Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked. This is key to keeping it juicy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh orange slices and cranberries, if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the chicken! Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for optimal tenderness.
- Basting with the glaze during the last 10 minutes helps create a beautiful, sticky, caramelized crust.
- For a thicker glaze, simmer it for a few extra minutes before adding it to the chicken, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- If using frozen chicken breasts, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry orange chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, roasted root vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For a festive touch, consider serving it with cranberry jalapeño dip as an appetizer. The bright flavors also complement a simple side of steamed green beans or asparagus.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) or in the microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the chicken can dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often result in even more flavorful and juicy results.
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: While you *can* freeze it, the texture of the glaze may change slightly. For best results, freeze the chicken in the glaze *before* baking.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: No, this recipe is not spicy. However, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat, or even explore another stir fry recipe like this potsticker stir fry recipe that might have a bit of spice.
This zesty cranberry orange chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite. Its ease of preparation and impressive presentation make it a winner for any occasion. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Zesty Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken
This cranberry orange glazed chicken recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The chicken is perfectly tender and juicy, coated in a vibrant glaze that’s bursting with the tartness of cranberries and the citrusy brightness of orange. It’s an easy weeknight meal that feels special enough for a holiday dinner. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a sticky, flavorful crust that will have everyone coming back for seconds. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare and how impressive it looks on the table.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh orange slices and cranberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange marmalade, orange juice, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the cranberry sauce is melted and the mixture is smooth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour half of the cranberry orange glaze over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Turn chicken to coat both sides.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste with the remaining glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with fresh orange slices and cranberries, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a thicker glaze, simmer it for a longer period before adding it to the chicken. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a side salad. For a richer flavor, try using chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg